DC AREA COUNTRY CLUB MEMBERSHIPS - JR EXECUTIVE

[tmgolfer3]

Moving to NoVa soon and looking to join a golf club in MoCo or NoVA, everywhere out to Piedmont. Does anyone know which courses have the best jr executive rates or incentives for younger people to join? 30 years old.

[MountainGoat]

I'm guessing none, but contact Dave043 about this. He's in NoVA...Reston, I think.

 

[caniac6]

My father is a member at Springfield. Not sure about Jr memberships, but it's a nice club.

[burnsniper]

Just reach out to their membership directors and they will give you the details.

[cristphoto]

With the golf course industry going through a bit of a shake-up I don't know how many clubs still offer Jr Executive memberships. My club used to years ago but has since discontinued the practice.

[DrDon]

You are looking in too large an area if you're considering clubs in Maryland as well as Northern Virginia. I'd suggest you find a suitable club that is relatively close to your home, otherwise you'll spend a good amount of time sitting in traffic.

There are golf clubs in NoVA that offer 'young professional' memberships for folks under age 40. This type of membership at my club is a great deal, with a significant break on both the initiation fee and monthly dues.

[PepsiDuck]

Absolutely agree with this. It WILL absolutely depend on where in Northern VA you live. Unless the club is super special or you don't plan on making it your primary place to play golf, I'd rule Maryland out completely. I am a member at Army Navy CC in Arlington/Fairfax, and I lived down near Quantico when I was in VA. I wish I hadn't joined because I spent more time in traffic than I should have just to play golf. There were definitely times when I decided that I'd rather stay home and not golf than sit in traffic for over an hour each way. And forget about going to the club after work during the week. It never happened once, even if I got off early on a Friday.

[davep043]

Someone mentioned my name, and I do indeed live in Reston. I play golf about a half-hour drive west, at Stoneleigh GC in Round Hill. I work out that way, so traffic isn't bad for me getting there after work, but I'd hate to be travelling from anywhere must east of Leesburg. At the time I joined, it was the only club I could afford, and I still love playing there. If the OP is interested, I can get him the proper contact there, but I agree with everyone else. Figure out where you're going to live first, and then start looking at golf clubs. If you're going the wrong direction at the wrong time of day, traffic is a serious consideration.

[Munich77]

I agree with the traffic comment. One more thing MoCo does have decent public courses if you like playing early in the morning.

[jwellefson1]

Hidden Creek in Reston has an initiation of $0.00 right now, definitely the best deal around. I've considered joining but not really sure if I want to commit to playing an Ault/Clark all the time. Also there have been rumors for years that they're just gonna sell the course for real estate. I was told River Creek also has a membership special going on right now, good course with seven holes right on the Potomac/Goose Creek. Runs through a neighborhood so if you don't like that I wouldn't recommend.

Also, to echo the other comments, you should really invest in somewhere that is close to where you want to live. Sitting in 66 traffic to Piedmont if you were to live in Arlington would suck. Same with 495 if you want to join somewhere in MoCo. I definitely recommend finding a club close to where you live for sure, because if you don't you pretty much lose the chance at a good post-work round.

[Dr. Frankenputts]

Belle Haven if in Alexandria. Have a fair amount of buddies there

[davep043]

@tmgolfer3 , you might do well to respond to a few of the questions raised here. There are a lot of clubs in Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William Counties. Many of them will have what you term junior executive rates, and each one will be different. If you're moving here from someplace else, the first task is to find housing that you can afford, and that's an acceptable commute from your job. You shouldn't even think of joining a golf club until you've decided that. @Dr. Frankenputts suggests Belle Haven, which is a good course and a great overall facility, but I'd never join there while living in Reston. Let us know where you're planning to live, and to work, and maybe we can help a little more.

[tungstenplug]

I live in Arlington and am also looking to join somewhere if the commute/price is right. Thanks for the suggestions

[davep043]

Closest to you are Washington Golf and Army-Navy. I know Army-Navy isn't restricted to service members, but I don't know what (if any) restrictions there are. Washington Golf just got renovated, and I expect it will be in outstanding shape when it re-opens, but its always struck me as a relatively high-dollar club. Belle Haven wouldn't be all that far. After those, you have to go outside the Beltway, to Westwood (Vienna), Fairfax, Springfield, Hidden Creek (Reston), Trump (Sterling/Great Falls), or River Bend (Great Falls).

[PepsiDuck]

Non-military are able to join, though they will pay the highest initiation fees. Last I recall, there is a trial membership; not sure what the length is, but it allows you to pay monthly dues only before deciding to join and pay the deferred initiation.

It’s a decent set of courses given the area; nothing overly challenging but you’ll have 54 holes spread across two campuses with club amenities (pool, gym, dining, etc.) They also have a rather large membership with an active men’s club and a number of regular groups.

[DCgolfnut91]

Anyone have any info on Mount Vernon Country Club in Alexandria? I’m currently at a private club in Maryland. Management is terrible, but I love the layout of the course and the membership(particularly the MGA group of guys) a lot of good golfers and a laid back yet competitive atmosphere. Like I mentioned the layout of the course is a lot of fun but it isn’t exactly in the greatest condition. A new owner took over this past fall and has made it clear they’re not very interested in investing in the golf course as they’re throwing all their money into the clubhouse to make it more attractive for events. I feel like for the same money or a little more I could find a better deal.

I’m curious if anyone knows MVCC well and knows generally how the condition of the course is in addition to if it’s crowded or not. Can you walk on during the week or are tee times necessary? Generally what is the age group of the MGA? Is it a stuffy place or pretty laid back? Etc any info will help thanks

[DrDon]

I have been a member at MVCC since 1995. Drop me a message and I will happily answer all your questions.

[DCgolfnut91]

Anyone have any info on Mount Vernon Country Club in Alexandria? I’m currently at a private club in Maryland. Management is terrible, but I love the layout of the course and the membership(particularly the MGA group of guys) a lot of good golfers and a laid back yet competitive atmosphere. Like I mentioned the layout of the course is a lot of fun but it isn’t exactly in the greatest condition. A new owner took over this past fall and has made it clear they’re not very interested in investing in the golf course as they’re throwing all their money into the clubhouse to make it more attractive for events. I feel like for the same money or a little more I could find a better deal.

I’m curious if anyone knows MVCC well and knows generally how the condition of the course is in addition to if it’s crowded or not. Can you walk on during the week or are tee times necessary? Generally what is the age group of the MGA? Is it a stuffy place or pretty laid back? Etc any info will help thanks

[DCgolfnut91]

Anyone have any info on Mount Vernon Country Club in Alexandria? I’m currently at a private club in Maryland. Management is terrible, but I love the layout of the course and the membership(particularly the MGA group of guys) a lot of good golfers and a laid back yet competitive atmosphere. Like I mentioned the layout of the course is a lot of fun but it isn’t exactly in the greatest condition. A new owner took over this past fall and has made it clear they’re not very interested in investing in the golf course as they’re throwing all their money into the clubhouse to make it more attractive for events. I feel like for the same money or a little more I could find a better deal.

I’m curious if anyone knows MVCC well and knows generally how the condition of the course is in addition to if it’s crowded or not. Can you walk on during the week or are tee times necessary? Generally what is the age group of the MGA? Is it a stuffy place or pretty laid back? Etc any info will help thanks

[Creedo77]

If you’re going to join a golf course for a young professional membership then TPC Potomac is the best place for your $. It is the best layout and course in the entire DMV area. Best practice facially ive ever been on and the clubhouse is world class.

You also get a number of free rounds at any other Tpc property if you happen to travel for work.

[Naw49]

Also curious in terms of a Junior Membership, but living in Georgetown makes it tough to get to literally any course, other than Chevy or Columbia. Hell takes almost 25 minutes for me to get to East Potomac!

[cristphoto]

Kenwood in Bethesda or Army-Navy in Arlington would be the closest to Georgetown. I've heard that you don't have to be current or retired military to join A-N. I don't know if either offer junior membership options.

[ALTSean]

I am a member at Army / Navy and they do offer a limited number of non-military members. Message me if you’d like more info!

[ckermes]

Best way to find out about membership opportunities at most clubs is to research the membership director. Every club will have someone in charge. With the financial shakeup right now clubs are surely scrambling and rethinking their brackets and initiation fees. I would bet some good deals will appear some clubs that are in distress shortly.

[singapore_sling]

On 4/24/2020 at 1:53 AM, Creedo77 said:

If you’re going to join a golf course for a young professional membership then TPC Potomac is the best place for your $. It is the best layout and course in the entire DMV area. Best practice facially ive ever been on and the clubhouse is world class.

You also get a number of free rounds at any other Tpc property if you happen to travel for work.

Do you know what cost would look like for a young professional membership? Are we talking under $10k for initiation? 

[CST13]

On 4/24/2020 at 1:53 AM, Creedo77 said:

If you’re going to join a golf course for a young professional membership then TPC Potomac is the best place for your $. It is the best layout and course in the entire DMV area. Best practice facially ive ever been on and the clubhouse is world class.

You also get a number of free rounds at any other Tpc property if you happen to travel for work.

 

On 4/24/2020 at 1:53 AM, Creedo77 said:

If you’re going to join a golf course for a young professional membership then TPC Potomac is the best place for your $. It is the best layout and course in the entire DMV area. Best practice facially ive ever been on and the clubhouse is world class.

You also get a number of free rounds at any other Tpc property if you happen to travel for work.

 

@Creedo77 - can I PM you for more information? I've been talking to their membership director and would love to get your take on what they have to offer. 

[ConcernedBoutCOVID]

would second TPC Potomac - great track and outstanding practice facilities

[golfday]

I live in DC and in a similar boat, only a couple years older. Shoot me a note when you move and we can play a round somewhere.

 

You definitely need to figure out where you're going to live, and then decide the club... or decide the club and then live near it. Traffic can be brutal and some of these places are really far away from each other.

 

I live more or less in central DC which limits options, esp. with many of the options being very expensive for those that I've researched.

 

Long-term my plan is move to Old Town and join Belle Haven, but for now I like living in DC and want to stretch some equity out of my current condo and / or save up enough to make it a rental before moving again.

 

Short-term I'm looking at either sticking to daily fee or a less expensive private course like Woodmore that I can get to easily. 

 

Worst thing you could do is join in the Alexandria / Old Town area join a club, then move up to to the Bethesda / MoCo area, or vice versa. Both are nice areas with nice places but they are WAY too far apart.

[burnsniper]

If you are committed to the DC Area longterm and a avid golfer (you are on WRX), you should figure out a way to pony up for a Junior Executive Membership somewhere like Columbia, Congressional, Belle Haven, Riverbend, or possible Army Navy (which ever area you would likely settle).

 

I am not sure some of the smaller clubs including TPC Potomac (which as already had one change of ownership) will ultimately survive the changing golf demographics/economy and the land will likely end up as houses.  You would hate to be out a significant chunk of money without a club.

[dpt23]

Hi all - came across this post and had similar questions. I just moved to the DC area in September (Logan Circle area) and my wife just started a business in the Silver Spring Maryland area so we'll be in the area for the considerable future. I'm looking for a junior membership primarily for golf ideally, young group of golfers in club, and would like to be under a 20- 25 minute commute (lived in Chicago prior and was 30 minutes to my old club from city so willing to drive). I've done a little research on clubs(mostly Maryland) and wanted to make sure I'm on the right track.

 

Congressional - 10 year waitlist, big downstroke($$$$$)

Chevy Chase - 10 year waitlist, big downstroke ($$$$$)

Army Navy - closest(15-20 min), Trial membership available, heavy downstroke for civilian($$$$), reasonable due structure, 2 separate course

Kenwood - 20-25 min away, low food and bev min, reasonable dues, large downstroke ($$$), unsure course 

TPC Potomac - 25 min away, seems like best bang for your buck (have not called to get actual figures), really good practice facilities

Bethesda - 25-30 min away, no real other information otherwise

Belle Haven - 25-30 min away, seems like best course in Alexandria area

 

Appreciate all your help, looking forward to playing some golf soon!

 

 

 

Edited November 28, 2020 by dpt23